A different spin from the peloton

2nd Annual Carbon Addiction Awards

Yes, there are a few smaller events still about – and there are always club races, of course – but the cycling year is essentially done and dusted. So rather than wait until December, I thought it’s time to reflect on the year that was. What were your highlights?

#1

Cruellest defeat of the Year: Tony Martin getting caught just metres from the finishing line in Stage 6 of the Vuelta after an epic solo breakaway that kept the entire peloton at bay for 175km. Honorable mention goes to Sep Vanmarcke for getting pipped by Fabian Cancellara in the velodrome at Roubaix.

#2

Crash of the Year (TIE): Mark Renshaw at the Tour of Turkey, lucky he’s still with us.

and Yoann Offredo slamming into a street sign at Paris-Roubaix.

#3

Saddle Sore Award for the Biggest Pain in The Arse: Derryn Hinch, seemingly on a personal mission to create even more aggression towards cyclists on our roads.

#4

Surprise of the Year: Chris Horner at the Vuelta, becoming the oldest Grand Tour stage winner ever – then winning the whole thing for good measure. Plenty of eyebrows were raised, but I’m with the wag on Facebook who posted: “Pee clean Chris, pee clean.”

#5

Cyclist of the Year: Reid Anderton.Google him.

#6

Show Off of the Year: Peter Sagan, a freak on two wheels. And often one.

#7

Pro Cyclist of the Year: Carlone Buchanan, two rainbow jerseys in two months – only Marianne Vos has done it before.